Waters Corporation Receives Overwhelming Support for Business Combination with Becton Dickinson

In a significant step for Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), shareholders have overwhelmingly endorsed the company’s planned merger with Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE: BDX). During a special meeting held on January 27, 2026, approximately 99% of voting shareholders supported the issuance of shares of Waters common stock to BD's shareholders, aimed at integrating BD's Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters. This pivotal agreement is expected to reshape the landscape within the life sciences and diagnostics sectors.

The Importance of the Merger

Udit Batra, Ph.D., President and CEO of Waters Corporation, expressed gratitude towards shareholders for their support, reiterating the company’s commitment to ushering in a “next chapter of growth and innovation.” The merger is poised to position Waters as a differentiated leader in the diagnostics market, facilitating the creation of substantial value for stakeholders, including patients, customers, employees, and shareholders alike.

The proposed combination also comes on the heels of a favorable Private Letter Ruling obtained by BD from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the tax implications of the transaction. Additionally, all requisite regulatory approvals have been secured, paving the way for the merger to close on February 9, 2026, pending standard closing conditions.

What’s Next for Waters

Moving forward, the Waters team is set to focus on finalizing the merger and realizing its full potential. Following the completion of the combination, Waters will release its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025, coinciding with the transaction closure. A conference call to discuss these results is scheduled for the same day at 8:30 AM ET.

This union aligns closely with Waters' strategic goals—enhancing capabilities in analytical instruments and expanding its role in the life sciences domain. For over 65 years, Waters Corporation has been renowned for its innovations in analytical instruments, separation technologies, and software. By combining forces with BD, the aim is to further boost market presence and operational efficiencies, benefiting a global clientele in over 100 countries.

BD's decision to ally with Waters also resonates well with broader trends in healthcare and technology, where a collaborative approach to innovation is increasingly paramount. The integration will not only expedite advancements in product offerings but also improve customer experiences across various sectors, from pharmaceuticals to environmental sciences.

Closing Remarks

The strong shareholder backing received at the special meeting reflects the confidence investors place in Waters' strategic direction. As the closing date approaches, all eyes will be on the leadership teams of both companies to ensure a seamless transition and the successful realization of anticipated synergies. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through Waters’ investor relations webpage, where further updates will be made available post-transaction.

This merger epitomizes Waters' trajectory towards becoming a prominent contender in the life sciences arena, reaffirming its commitment to advancing sciences through collaborative and innovative strategies. With a robust framework now in place, Waters is well-positioned to elevate its market standing and drive meaningful growth in the years to come.